Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that causes gastric juices to creep up the esophagus, which creates a painful, burning sensation. A number of causes are attributed to GERD, including genetic history, weight and foods eaten. Diet is an important element to reducing GERD symptoms. If a careful diet is followed, painful symptoms, particularly the burning sensation that can radiate up the chest, may be avoided.
Function
The esophagus is a long, thin tube that connects the throat and the stomach. Foods and drinks travel down this tube in order to reach the stomach for digestion. The lower part of this highly muscular organ helps to provide a barrier between stomach acid and food or drinks coming down the tube. However, GERD indicates a condition in which the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not work properly, whether due to relaxing triggered by over-consumption of fatty foods or due to being compromised by excess weight or other causes.
Identification
The symptoms associated with GERD, particularly GERD associated with eating fatty foods, include a sour taste in the mouth, burning sensation in the chest, nausea and regurgitation, which is the resurgence of liquid into the mouth, according to the McKinley Health Center. While these short-term effects can be painful when they occur, long-term effects take place as well: the acid can eat away and cause damage to the teeth and develop weak areas of the esophagus. This can result in ulcers that may eventually cause esophageal bleeding that requires surgical repair.
Effects
When a person consumes high-fat meals or fried foods, digesting these foods reduces pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When the LES does not exert enough pressure, the stomach cannot empty as fast, which increases the incidence of GERD. An additional concern for eating high-fat foods is that this causes weight gain, which can increase the likelihood a person will experience GERD.
Identification
Diet-related GERD symptoms are fairly easy--yet unfortunately painful to identify. If after eating a high-fat meal, such as a convenience food or other meal higher in fat, you notice a sour taste in your mouth, pain radiating from the chest or regurgitation symptoms, you may be experiencing dietary-related GERD. If you experience these symptoms, pay close attention to the foods you had previously eaten because these are often your GERD triggers.
Solution
A number of treatments for GERD exist, ranging from over-the-counter to prescription medications to an anti-GERD diet. Restricting high-fat menu items in favor of whole-grain carbohydrate choices, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins can make a difference in your overall symptoms and reduce the long-term effects GERD can cause. This has an additional benefit: weight loss that can also result in a cessation of symptoms.
